Steak and Shake Garlic Double Steakburger

Ingredients for Garlic Double Steakburger

To recreate this burger at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of American cheese
• 4 hamburger buns (soft, potato buns recommended)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard

Directions for Garlic Double Steakburger

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic powder or minced garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set the garlic butter aside.

Step 2: Form the Burger Patties

1. Divide the Ground Beef: Split the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each).
2. Shape the Patties: Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten into a disc. Don’t overwork the meat—you want to keep it tender.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan.
2. Sear the Patties: Place two patties in the skillet at a time. Use a spatula to press them down flat into thin smashburgers (about 1/4-inch thick). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
3. Flip and Season: Flip the burgers, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Place a slice of American cheese on each patty and let it melt.
4. Repeat: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and repeat the process for the remaining two patties.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the cut sides of the hamburger buns with the prepared garlic butter.
2. Toast the Buns: Place the buns, buttered side down, in the skillet or on a griddle for 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble the Garlic Double Steakburger

1. Layer the Patties: Place two cheese-covered patties on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
2. Add Toppings: Add your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, or keep it simple with just the garlic butter for maximum flavor.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Top with the other half of the bun and dig in!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Small saucepan
• Knife and cutting board (for toppings)
• Measuring spoons

Tips for the Best Garlic Double Steakburger

• Use Ground Beef with Fat: An 80/20 ratio of lean to fat ensures juicy burgers with crispy edges. Leaner meat won’t give you the same texture.
• Smash the Burgers for Crispy Edges: The key to a great steakburger is pressing the patties down in the pan to maximize the surface area. This creates the classic crispy edges that make the burger so irresistible.
• Garlic Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter for the buns—it’s what gives this burger its signature flavor. You can also add a bit of garlic butter to the patties themselves for even more garlicky goodness.
• Toast the Buns for Texture: Toasting the buns in the skillet with the garlic butter not only adds flavor but also creates a nice contrast to the juicy burger patties.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Spicy Garlic Burger: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy twist. You can also top the burger with jalapeños for extra heat.
• Cheese Swap: While American cheese is traditional, feel free to swap it out for cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack if you prefer.
• Caramelized Onions: Add caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor boost.
• Bacon Lover’s Burger: Add a couple of slices of crispy bacon to make this burger even more indulgent.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you’ll have any), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerator: Store the cooked patties and buns separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Toast the buns in the skillet or oven before serving.
• Freezer: You can freeze the cooked burger patties for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.